Toward Training

In November 2001, Microsoft announced part of its settlement of more than 100 private lawsuits: The company will donate more than $1 billion in technology goods and services over five years to 12,500 low-income schools.

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In November 2001, Microsoft announced part of its settlement of more than 100 private lawsuits: The company will donate more than $1 billion in technology goods and services over five years to 12,500 low-income schools. Now some analysts are questioning whether the plan will work.

Gartner researchers have released a report that asserts that 25 percent of Microsoft's contributions should be funneled into faculty development. "The report states, "without adequate teacher training, many PCs won't be used effectively." Gartner analyst Dean Lombardo says that although 99 percent of New York City schools are wired and 63 percent have Internet access, many students do not have access to computers.

Microsoft's plan includes $90 million for training, an amount that Lombardo predicts will be spread too thin. Instead, Lombardo suggests that Microsoft should allocate a larger portion of its grant to training.

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